More funds sought to tackle family violence

A Victorian domestic violence service says more funding needs to be dedicated to deal with family violence in country areas.

It comes as Parliament and community leaders observe White Ribbon Day, which aims to prevent violence against women.

Jacinta Wainwright from the Ballarat-based group WRISC says she believes there has been a growing awareness of the issue.

However, she says more needs to be done to encourage communities to help solve the problem.

"Family violence needs to be understood as a community responsibility, it's not a private matter," she said.

"Once upon a time it was understood as a private matter, don't get involved, whereas we know if we want to have any impact on stopping violence against women then as a community we need to put out a clear message that violence is unacceptable against anybody."